Exploring Plant Lectins and Their Practical Implementations

The utilization of natural medicinal plants presents an exciting opportunity to discover innovative approaches for developing new medicinal products. In recent years, traditional and alternative medicines have gained significant recognition as scientifically viable choices [Patwardhan and Mashelkar, 2009]. Across the globe, approximately 35,000 to 70,000 plant species have been harnessed for their medicinal properties. Among them, Asia alone has utilized around 6,500 species as home remedies for various ailmentsStudies indicate that over 50,000 plant species are employed for medicinal purposes, with flowering plants constituting 13% of this total [Schippmann et al., 2002]. India, in particular, has made use of about 45,000 plant species, several thousand of which possess known medicinal properties. Extensive literature surveys reveal that nearly 80% of known drug components are either derived from natural products or inspired by compounds found in nature [Harvey, 2008]. Remarkably, from 1981 to 2002, 60% of anticancer and 75% of anti-infective medicines can be attributed to herbal discoveries The wealth of biologically active compounds found in plants is evident through literature surveys, highlighting their significance in treating various health conditions and diseases. Mixtures of plants commonly used in traditional medicine often exhibit greater tolerance and protection compared to their chemical counterparts [Patwardhan et al., 2004]. Conventional medicine-based bioprospecting emphasizes the immense structural diversity found in natural sources, which has proven effective for advancing medical treatments Natural phytochemical elements derived from medicinal herbs have played a significant role in controlling numerous human medical ailments, including cancer;